Home Our Diocese Father Nicholas Waseline, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua, dies at 67

Father Nicholas Waseline, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua, dies at 67

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Father Nicholas R. Waseline, OSFS, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua parish in Wilmington, died Wednesday morning, April 18, after an illness. He was 67.

“We learned that Father Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua passed away around 9am this morning,” Msgr. Steven P. Hurley, vicar general of the Diocese of Wilmington, said from Annecy, France where a group of 135 people are part of a pilgrimage led by Bishop Malooly. They are marking the 150th anniversary of the diocese.

Oblate Father Nick Waseline, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Wilmington, blesses one of the pets brought to Father Tucker Field for the parish school’s annual blessing of the animals in October 2014. (The Dialog/Mike Lang)

Father Waseline was ordained a priest June 14, 1980. Among his previous ministries were principal of both Father Judge and Northeast Catholic high schools in Philadelphia.

“He had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year,” said Msgr. Hurley. “Father Nick was a gentle pastor and a courageous leader. He was also a good friend. Let us pray for our friends at St. Anthony of Padua parish, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, and Father Nick’s family. 

“We are about to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy. Our Mass intention is for Father Nick. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

Bishop Malooly offered prayers with the pilgrims as they gathered for Mass at the basilica in the presence of the relics of St Francis de Sales. At the beginning of Mass, the bishop announced the passing of Father Waseline, and offered the Mass for the repose of Father Waseline’s soul.

“I was saddened to to hear of Fr. Nick’s death. He was an outstandingly pastor of St Anthony of Padua and leader of the parish schools. I thought so highly of Father that I appointed him to my Priest Council. We send our condolences to Father’s parish family and to the Oblates.” Bishop Malooly.

The viewing for Fr. Waseline will be held Wednesday, April 25, from 2-6:45 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, Ninth and DuPont Streets, Wilmington. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 7 p.m. Interment will take place in the Oblate Community Cemetery, 1120 Blue Ball Rd., Elkton, Md., on Thursday, April 26, at 10 a.m. A light reception will follow; all are welcome. Condolences may be sent to Office of the Provincial, 2200 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington, DE 19806.